VOGUEknitting magazine Winter 2014/15 is on the bookshelves and here is a little review of this magazine.

This time the VOGUEknitting magazine is showing “30 eye-catching knits”. Featuring

• “Amy Micallef: The Girl behind the Curtain”
• “The Modern Word of Mosaics”
• “Easy Street: The new normal is just that: restrained, uncomplicated and a pure pleasure to knit.”
• “The contestants of the VogueKnitting / Skacel Fiber Factor Contest: Chose the winner.”
• “Mad about Plaid: Bold, bright plaids are lining up to be one of this season’s most wearable trends.” (Christina Behnke)

 

The Girl Behind the Curtain ~ Amy Micallef

Daryl Brower is talking about Amy Micallef’s hidden life behind the curtains of famous Broadway productions. Amy Micallef is THE woman for knitted fashion on the stages.

This close-fitting cardigan is  featuring an eyelet pattern. Hems, cuffs and the shawl collar are showing a rib and cable pattern. Amy Micallef used Malabrigo Yarn Sock (100% superwash merino wool) for this design.
The body of this cardigan is knitted in one piece and divided on the armholes. The collar is worked along with the fronts. The collar extensions are sewn in place after joining shoulder seams. The button bands are worked separately and sewn on afterwards.
Knitable in 4 sizes from 32″ (94cm) to 47¼” (120cm) with bust closed.

 

The Modern Word of Mosaics

Barbara G. Walker introduced this technique in the early 70’s and VogueKnitting is showcasing original motifs, which are not included in her books for the first time! In one word I appreciate seeing this simple yet stunning technique of colourwork in this issue of VogueKnitting. And all of the designs will be classics for years to come!

Read here what Susan Lowman and John Brinegar are saying about the opportunity to design with this unpublished, handwritten charts from the personal collection of Barbara G. Walker.

 

This cowl by Kristina McGowan is featuring a garter stitch mosaic pattern. It is knitted in the round and has a k1, p1 rib at the edges. Shown here in Classic Elite Yarns Alpaca Sox (60% alpaca, 20% Merino wool, 20% nylon) and Pirouette (67% kid mohair, 25% bamboo viscose, 8% nylon) yarn.

Circumference 23″/58,5cm
Length 8″/20,5cm

 

On this pullover the mosaic pattern is only on the front. Sleeves and back are knitted in k2, p2 rib. Rosemary Drysdale used Filatura di Crosa Zara (100% superfine merino wool) for this lovely pullover.

Knitable in 4 sizes  from 36″ (91,5cm) to 45″ (114cm).

 

This loose-fitting pullover by Deborah Newton is showing an all-over chevron pattern. Shown here in Cascade Yarns Highland Duo (70% baby alpaca, 30% merino wool).

Knitable in 3 sizes from 35″ (89cm) to 52″ (132cm).

 

Here a inset of a mosaic pattern is shown on a background of a garter slip-stitch pattern. The mosaic is only shown on the front of the pullover. Lori Steinberg designed this three-quarter sleeve pullover using Koigu Wool Designs Kersti Merino Crêpe (100% merino wool).

Knitable in 6 sizes from 34″ (86,5cm) to 54″ (137cm).

 

This extra long and extra wide scarf by John Bringer is knitted in Blue Sky Alpacas Sport Weight (100% baby alpaca) wool.

Knitted measurements 13 x 66” (33 x 167cm) after blocking, excluding fringe.

 

Christina Behnke used Artyarns Silk Halo (60% kid mohair, 40% silk) for her triangular shawl. It is knitted from the upper edge down to the lower edge using a mosaic pattern.

Width at upper edge 57” / 144,5 cm
Length at center 27” / 68,5cm

 

This stunning close-fitting jacket by Teva Durham is featuring an asymmetric zip closer and a all-over mosaic pattern. Collar and cuffs are worked in garter stitch. It is shown here in  Berroco Vintage (52% acrylic, 40% wool, 8% nylon).

Knitable in 5 sizes from 34½” (87,5cm) to 51″ (129,5cm) bust closed.

 

This short-sleeved standard-fitting pullover by Pat Olski is showing different mosaic patterns. Hems, cuffs and the neckband is knitted in garter stitch. Shown here in Dale Garn / Mango Moon Yarns Alpakka (100% alpaca).

Knitable in 4 sizes from 36″ (91,5cm) to 49½” (125,5cm)

 

Susan Lowman designed this mosaic diamond stitch blanket with a single crocheted border. She used Debbie Bliss Paloma () for her design.

Approx 58” / 147cm wide x 65″ / 165cm high.

 

 

Easy Street

I love this section: Simple shapes, easy stitches producing lovely, wearable fashion.

This loose-fitting pullover by Mari Lynn Patrick is featuring raglan sleeves an on-trend high-low hem and a round neck. It is knitted in a brioche rib pattern. Shown here in Prism Indulgence (68% silk, 15% wool, 12% kid mohair, 5% nylon).

Knitable in 4 sizes from 40½” (103cm) to 48″ (122cm).

 

Worked in the round and showcasing textured bands in a basket weave pattern and slip stitch pattern that are the ingredients of this pullover by Lisa Silverman. She used Kolláge Yarns Happiness DK (100% fine superwash merino wool) for her design.

Knitable in 5 sizes from 38″ (96,5cm) to 53″ (134,5cm).

 

Sarah Hatton used Rowan Mohair Haze (70% mohair, 30% wool) for her lacy pullover. The lace is only shown on the front. The back is worked in easy stockinette stitch. This loose-fitting pullover is featuring a wide scoop neck.

Knitable in 5 sizes from 33½” (85cm) to 51″ (129,5cm).

 

Vanessa Putt’s pullover is featuring an on-trend turtleneck and an asymmetric hem. It is knitted from top-down in the round. Short row shaping is added for a perfect fit. The traveling cables are adding a highlight to this design. Shown here in Plymouth Yarn Company Baby Alpaca Grande (100% baby alpaca)

Knitable in 4 sizes from 34″ (86,5cm) to 46″ (117cm).

 

Holding two strands of each Rowan Felted Tweed Aran (50% merino wool, 25% alpaca, 25% viscose) and Frost (20% alpaca, 80% viscose) together, producing a subtle striped pattern, Marie Wallin designed this standard-fitting funnel-neck pullover. It is featuring a textured pattern produced using a slip-stitch technique.

Knitable in 5 sizes from 39″ (99cm) to 51″ (129,5cm).

 

Annabelle Speer  used Zealana Tui (70% fine New Zealand merino wool, 15% cashmere, 15% brushtail possum) for her standard-fitting vest. It is knitted in plain stockinette stitch showing a rib detail on the shoulders.

Knitable in 5 sizes from 37″ (94cm) to 51½” (130,5cm).

 

This very oversized V-Neck pullover by Mari Lynn Patrick is shown here in Brown Sheep Company’s Nature Spun Worsted (100% wool) yarn. Knitted in two directions it is showing a corrugated rib pattern and dolman sleeves.

Knitable in 3 sizes from 48″ (122cm) to 56″ (142cm) bust.

 

This design by Christy Kay Morse is also showing dolman sleeves. This loose-fitting pullover is knitted from top-down in simple reverse stockinette stitch. Borders and cuffs are showing a twisted rib pattern. It is shown here in Anna (70% Imperial wool and 30% U.S. cotton from Imperial Yarn.

Knitable in 3 sizes from 37½” (95cm) to 41½” (105,5cm) width around waist above rib.

 

This standard fitting pullover by Annabelle Speer is showing a stretchy broken rib pattern. Featuring a V-neck and drop shoulders it is knitted in Bergère de France Cocoon (5% alpaca, 25% mohair, 70% acrylic).

Knitable in 5 sizes from 36″ (91,5cm) to 50″ (127cm).

 

Margeau Soboti also shows drop shoulders and a broken rib pattern on her loose-fitting pullover. It is knitted in Trendsetter Yarns’ Duchess (64% wool, 30% cashmere, 6% polyamide) yarn.

Knitable in 5 sizes from 39½” (100cm) to 53½” (136cm).

 

 

The Contestants of the VogueKnitting / Skacel Fiber Factor Contest

Lauren Riker

This two piece set is knitted holding one strand of each  Zitron/Skacel Collection Triologie (75% Merino wool, 15% silk, 10% linen) and Schulana/Skacel Collection Macaibo (51% cotton, 49% viscose) together. This close-fitting design is worked in the round in linen stitch. Braided trims and a neckline decorated with jewels are also part of this design.

Knitable in 4 sizes
Skirt from 26½” (73,5cm) to 33″ (84cm) waist.
Top from 31″ (78,5cm) to 37¼” (94,5cm) bust.

 

 John Ravet

John Ravet designed this standard-fitting jacket using HiKoo/Skacel Collection Simplinatural (40% baby alpaca, 40% fine Merino wool, 20% Mulberry silk) and Zitron/Skacel Collection Patina (55% Merino wool, 45% Rayon). This jacket is knitted in multiple directions using half linen stitch. Curved fronts, which does not wrap to the center of the bus. A metal chain at the front edges is adding further excitement.

Knitable in 3 sizes from 17″ (43cm) to 19″ (48cm) bust at back.

 

 Tracy Purtscher

Front and back of this top by Tracy Purtscher are knitted completely opposite. While the front is shaping a V(alley) by increasing stitches, the back is shaped by decreases, shaping a X. Both pieces are joined by sewing in a zipper. Fil Royal (100% fine baby alpaca) and Triologie (75% Merino wool, 15% silk, 10% linen) from Zitron/SkacelCollection are knitted in different slip-stitch patterns. Fil Royal is used doubled throughout.

Knitable in 2 sizes from 40″ (101,5cm) to 46″ (117cm).

 

 Terri Rosenthal

The coat is knitted showing a large bobbles and cables. Front and back are knitted in one piece. The armholes are simply shaped by casting off stitches in one row and casting on stitches in the next row, like big button holes. And oversized collar is completing this loose-fitting design. Shown here in HiKoo/Skacel Collection Zumie (50% acrylic, 30% wool, 20% nylon).

Knitable in 2 sizes from 44″ (111,5cm) to 48½” (123cm) bust closed.

The CeeCee Cowl is knitted in HiKoo/Skacel Collection Caribou (100% nylon) and Tiara (10% kid mohair, 5% wool, 49% acrylic, 22% nylon, 10% beads, 4% sequins).

Circumference approx. 41″ / 104cm
Length approx. 22″ / 56cm

The Muff is also knitted in HiKoo/Skacel Collection Caribou (100% nylon) and Tiara (10% kid mohair, 5% wool, 49% acrylic, 22% nylon, 10% beads, 4% sequins).

Circumference approx. 24″ / 61cm

 

Mad about Plaid

This loose-fitting pullover is showing an all-over plaid pattern, knitted using intarsia technique. Drop shoulders are used in this fresh design. Norah Gaughan used Road to China Light (65% baby alpaca, 15% silk, 10% camel, 10% cashmere) from The Fibre Company/Kelbourne Woolens for her design.

Knitable in 4 sizes from 40″ (9101,5cm) to 52″ (132cm).

 

Kristin Nicholas shows her oversized plaid wrap in Classic Elite Yarns La Gran (78.4% mohair, 17.3% wool, 4.3% nylon) yarn.

Knitted measurements 23 x 68″ / 58,5 x 172,5cm.

 

Franklin Habit is presenting a cloche knitted in garter stitch. The plaid band is woven in afterwards. Shown here in Lorna’s Laces Shepherd Sport (100% superwash merino wool).

Brim circumference 20″ / 51cm
Length 9¾” / 25cm

 

Theresa Schabes used intarsia technique for her pullover showing a tartan pattern. For a better fit the side seams are shaped. It is worked in Knit One, Crochet Too Cria Lace (65% fine alpaca, 35% tencel) witch is held doubled throughout.

Knitable in 4 sizes from 36″ (91,5cm) to 48″ (122cm).

 

---

 

Christina Behnke is Associate Editor and responsible for the fashion captions of the VOGUEKnitting Magazine.

All pictures are screenshots of my VOGUEknitting magazine Winter 2014/15. I took it from my iPad.